by James Ruggia
Last updated: 1:00 AM ET, Wed January 7, 2015
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Northeastern Thailand, known as the Isaan region, is an area bordering Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) that is rich in parkland, temples and villages. The area was also home to the Bronze Age Ban Chiang civilization as well as the merely centuries old Lan Xang culture which gives the region a separate identity unlike anything else in Thailand.
In its efforts to stimulate cross border traffic with Lao PDR, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will put more energy into promoting the area. For the time being, at least as far as travelers are concerned, the area's chief significance is as a corridor for overland travel into Lao PDR, with some interesting attractions along the way.
"In terms of cultural experience, Isaan is a region rich with historical sites and ethnic diversity (Thai, Lao, Cambodian)," said Srimala Waraphaskul, the director of the TAT's New York Office. "Most Americans don't realize that many of the Thai dishes that are famous in New York such as SomTum (Papaya Salad) and Larb Gai (Spicy Minced Chicken Salad) originated in Isaan."
As the TAT brings more attention to what the area has to experience, there are also plans to bolster infrastructure that will make a more seamless flow of travelers between Thailand and Lao. Regional officials are promoting the development of the Lan Xang Cultural Square project, which will expand the regional airport at Loei with immigration counters as part of a complex that would feature lodging, restaurants and other facilities in order to stimulate a common tourism market in an associated network formed of Luang Prabang (Lao) and the Thai provinces of Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Nong Bua Lamphu.
PHOTO: Srimala Waraphaskul, the TAT's New York director, encourages travelers to visit Lao PDR via Thailand's Isaan region. (Photo by James Ruggia)
The project also calls for another Mekong River bridge, three permanent border-crossing facilities, the launch of a Luang Prabang - Chiang Khan - Vientiane boat route, and the establishment of a special economic zone in Lan Xang Cultural Square provinces.
The immigration counters at the new airport are significant as they would give the region the ability to attract short-haul international travelers directly without the need for a stop in Bangkok. In recent years, an increasing number of travelers have been flying directly into Chiang Mai, Phuket and Samui. Such neighboring countries as Myanmar and Cambodia have also been more aggressive in attracting direct short haul flights. The Lan Xang project would essentially give Laos direct flights into an airport just inside Thailand.
Ban Chiang Beginnings
If one really wants to Discover Thailand as the TAT's campaign suggests, Ban Chiang is a good place to get started. The Ban Chiang National Museum is a repository for the pottery that archeologists discovered at the UNESCO-registered Pho Si Nai archaeological site in Udon Thani. The museum displays ancient tools, household items and pottery, ranging in age between 4,000 and 7,500 years.
As UNESCO puts it, "Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in South-East Asia. It marks an important stage in human cultural, social and technological evolution. The site presents the earliest evidence of farming in the region and of the manufacture and use of metals."
Another local feature that sets the region apart is the flowering season of the Red Lotus Sea from November through February (pictured at left). The annual phenomenon, which sees the lake covered in crimson lotus blossoms, earned it a spot on CNN's list of the world's 15 strangest lakes. According to the TAT's Udon Thani Office, the CNN citation has lifted tourism traffic to the site by 11 percent in the third quarter. In 2013 between 600,000 and 700,000 people visited the site, and now the TAT is expecting an increase of at least 1.5 times that figure.
"Thailand and Lao have been very close friends for a long time," said Waraphaskul. The first Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge opened over the Mekong in 1994 (between Nong Khai-Viantiane). Three more bridges have opened since then. "Some of the highlights in this area are Pha Taem ancient sites in KhongJiam, Ubon Ratchathani, laid-back way of life and community based tourism in Chiang Khan, Loei and the Khmer ruins and temples in Si Sa Ket. Lastly, a visit to Khao Yai National Park provides Isaan's ultimate outdoor experience."
Currently, four Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges cross the Mekong to cross border checkpoints. The most commonly used bridge is between Nong Khai in Thailand and Vientiane in Lao. A second bridge can be found crossing between Mukdahan in Thailand and Savannakhet in Lao. The third bridge connects Nakhon Phanom and Thakhek. The most recent bridge to be completed (which opened in December 2013) is between Chiang Rai and Bokeo.
Last January, a new bus route began linking Thailand and Lao. The Naluang Bus Company's route No. 14 on the Loei-Chiyaburi-Luang Prabang route covers an approximate distance of about 240 miles and takes around nine hours. A one-way trip between Loei and Luang Prabang costs about $25.Travelers have other options for traveling between Thailand and Lao, including by plane from Bangkok and Sukhothai in Thailand to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet or Pakse in Lao.
Though the return of Western travelers is still somewhat sluggish, travel into Thailand has recovered its overall numbers. In December, the TAT reported a second month of recovery with visitor arrivals reaching 2,438,301, a growth of 2.53 percent over November 2013. Figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports show that the main contributing factor was a 58.8 percent surge in Chinese visitors to 513,441.
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